Mizraite-(Ce)

Chemical formula: Ce₃+(Al₁₁Mg)O₁₉

Mizraite-(Ce) is a very rare mineral from the hibonite group, an oxide of cerium, aluminum, and magnesium, forming microscopic, hexagonal crystals.

## Characteristics Mizraite-(Ce) is an extremely rare mineral belonging to the magnetoplumbite supergroup, and within it, to the hibonite group. Chemically, it is a complex oxide with the formula Ce(Al₁₁Mg)O₁₉. It occurs as very small, hexagonal, tabular crystals, rarely exceeding 50 micrometers in diameter and 10 micrometers in thickness. The crystals are too small to be seen with the naked eye. ## Physical Properties Due to the microscopic size of the crystals, most physical properties, such as hardness or density, have not been precisely measured, but only calculated. The calculated density is 4.25 g/cm³. The mineral exhibits strong pleochroism from colorless to pale yellow. It has a vitreous luster. ## Colors and Varieties Observed crystals range in color from pale yellow to yellow. No varieties of this mineral have been distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral was approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2011 under number IMA2011-037. Its name comes from its discovery locality - the Mizra plateau in Jordan. The "(Ce)" suffix in the name indicates the dominant rare-earth element in its composition, which is cerium. It was described by a research team led by Irina O. Galuskina. ## Uses Mizraite-(Ce) has no practical or commercial applications. It is solely an object of scientific and collecting interest for specialized micromineral collectors.

Properties

Mohs hardness: 7.5-8
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Density: 4.25
Cleavage: Perfect on {0001}
Fracture: Uneven
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of mizraite-(Ce) is impossible without advanced laboratory techniques. It requires chemical analysis (e.g., using an electron microprobe - EDS/WDS) to confirm the composition with dominant cerium, and structural analysis (e.g., X-ray diffraction) to determine its hexagonal crystal structure. Visually, it is indistinguishable from other microscopic minerals of the hibonite group. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with hibonite, hibonite-(Fe), or other minerals from this group. Differentiation is based solely on precise chemical analysis, which shows that cerium is the dominant rare-earth element in mizraite-(Ce). ## Crystal Forms It forms very small, hexagonal, tabular crystals. They occur as single, scattered flakes within the host rock.

Geological environment

## Genesis Mizraite-(Ce) forms under specific conditions of pyrometamorphic metamorphism. It was discovered in rocks of the Hatrurim Formation (also known as the Mottled Zone Marble), which underwent burning and transformation at very high temperatures due to the self-ignition of underground bituminous deposits. It forms in paragenesis with other rare high-temperature minerals. ## Mineral Associations It co-occurs with minerals such as gehlenite, larnite, brownmillerite, mayenite, kalsilite, as well as with graphitic and carbide pseudomorphs after diamonds. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence worldwide (type locality) is the Mizra plateau, part of the Hatrurim complex, in the Judean Desert in Jordan.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria As a micromineral, mizraite-(Ce) is valued for the mere fact of its presence on a specimen. The most highly prized samples are those where the crystals, despite their microscopic size, are well-formed, have a distinct hexagonal outline, and are set against a contrasting background of the host rock. Every specimen with confirmed presence of this mineral is considered unique. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the type locality in Jordan. Material from this location is extremely difficult to obtain and appears on the collector's market sporadically, mainly circulating between specialized research institutions and micromineral collectors.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens with mizraite-(Ce) are typically fragments of host rock with microscopic crystals. They do not require cleaning, and it should not be attempted due to the risk of damaging the extremely small and fragile crystals. ## What to Avoid Any attempts at mechanical cleaning (brushes, ultrasonics) or chemical cleaning (acids, bases, solvents) should be avoided, as they could destroy both the mineral itself and the rock in which it occurs. ## Storage Specimens should be stored in specialized "micromount" boxes, protecting them from dust and mechanical damage. Observation is only possible under a microscope.

Sources

IMA Mineral List (CNMNC)